Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, has grown from a uniquely American tradition into a global shopping phenomenon. It’s no longer just a day to kickstart the holiday shopping season—it’s a cultural event with fascinating history and traditions that vary across the world.

The Origins of Black Friday

The term „Black Friday” has a surprising history. It was first used in the 1950s by police officers in Philadelphia to describe the chaos caused by large crowds of shoppers and tourists flooding the city the day after Thanksgiving. Later, retailers reframed the term to reflect its economic impact, referring to the day their sales moved „into the black,” or profitability, after a year of being „in the red.”

The concept gained momentum in the 1980s, as retailers began to see the potential of the day for boosting holiday shopping. By the 21st century, Black Friday had become synonymous with doorbuster deals and early-morning shopping sprees, solidifying its place as one of the most important retail events of the year.

Traditions in the United States

In the U.S., Black Friday has evolved into a blend of consumerism and camaraderie. Many families make an event out of it, rising before dawn to hunt for bargains together. Stores open as early as midnight or even Thanksgiving evening, offering steep discounts on everything from electronics to clothing.

Over time, these shopping traditions have extended beyond the physical stores. Cyber Monday, the Monday following Black Friday, emerged in 2005 as a digital counterpart, offering online shoppers exclusive deals and discounts.

Black Friday goes global

Black Friday is no longer just an American event. Countries worldwide have adopted it, tailoring the tradition to their own cultures and retail environments:

1. United Kingdom
   The UK embraced Black Friday in the 2010s, largely driven by online retailers like Amazon. It has since become a major shopping event, both in-store and online, with consumers hunting for bargains on electronics, home goods, and more.
2. Canada
   Although Canada has its own Thanksgiving in October, Black Friday has become a key shopping day, especially for Canadians who used to cross the border to shop in the U.S. Retailers now offer deals domestically to keep shoppers at home.
3. China
   China has its own mega-shopping day—Singles’ Day on November 11—but Black Friday has still gained traction. International brands and e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and JD.com offer deals to attract shoppers looking for Western goods.
4. Brazil
   In Brazil, Black Friday is a newer phenomenon, starting around 2010. While it faces some skepticism due to past incidents of misleading discounts, it remains a popular event for electronics and household items.
5. India
   Black Friday is growing in popularity in India, especially among younger, tech-savvy consumers. Many online platforms, including Amazon India, offer discounts, though the shopping season is heavily influenced by local festivals like Diwali.

Black Friday’s broader impact

While Black Friday brings excitement and economic benefits, it has also faced criticism for promoting overconsumption. In recent years, movements like „Buy Nothing Day” have encouraged people to reflect on their spending habits and focus on sustainability.

On the flip side, Black Friday is an opportunity for small businesses and local artisans to attract customers with unique deals. It has also created jobs, particularly in retail and logistics, as stores and online platforms prepare for the surge in demand.

A Celebration of globalization

Black Friday’s evolution from a local shopping day in the U.S. to a global event underscores the interconnectedness of the modern world. It’s a day that blends commerce, culture, and tradition, proving how a simple concept can transcend borders and become a universal experience.

Whether you’re hunting for deals or simply observing the spectacle, Black Friday offers a unique glimpse into how traditions adapt and grow in a globalized society.